Tick-borne pathogens of potential zoonotic importance in the southern African region

Authors

  • Simbarashe Chitanga University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • Holly Gaff Old Dominion University
  • Samson Mukaratirwa University of KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

The aim of this communication is to provide preliminary information on the tick-borne pathogens of potential zoonotic importance present in southern Africa, mainly focusing on their geographical distribution and host range, and to identify research gaps. The following tick-borne zoonoses have been reported to occur in southern Africa based mainly on case reports: Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever caused by Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus; ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia ruminantium, Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum; babesiosis caused by Babesia microti; relapsing fever caused by Borrelia duttonii
and rickettsioses caused by Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Rickettsia conorii. The epidemiological factors influencing their occurrence are briefly reviewed.

Author Biographies

  • Simbarashe Chitanga, University of KwaZulu-Natal

    School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Zambia

  • Holly Gaff, Old Dominion University

    Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, United States

  • Samson Mukaratirwa, University of KwaZulu-Natal

    School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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Published

2021-12-09

Issue

Section

Short Communications